Diesel generators provide the necessary power for homeowners and businesses. You may be thinking about purchasing a backup power source but aren’t sure where to start. Here’s what to consider as you make your decision.

What You Should Know About Diesel Generators

What are the benefits of a diesel generator?

These generators run on diesel fuel, rather than electricity. This allows them to provide power to your home and appliances during an outage. They can also be useful for businesses that want to continue operations even if there’s a loss of electricity.

How does it work?

Diesel generators use an alternator to transform diesel fuel into an electric current. A standby generator connects to your home’s power source so it can detect when there’s a loss of electricity. When this happens, it kicks on and provides power to your home automatically.

What size generator do I need?

It depends on how many appliances and equipment the generator needs to power. Many household appliances use around 150 amps. Add up the amount that you use and choose a generator that is able to run them.

What are power and service factors?

As you shop for generators, you may come across terms you’re unfamiliar with, like power factor and service factor. Power factor refers to the efficiency with which it can transfer power. The higher the number, the more efficient. The service factor describes the overload capacity, so it’s the amount the generator can operate past the runtime of the motor.

If you need diesel fuel to power your generator or other fixtures, Monroe Oil Company in Rochester, NY, can help. Serving customers throughout Monroe, Ontario, and Wayne counties, the oil delivery company offers several fuel options, including diesel and kerosene. In business since 1901, the company works hard to keep prices affordable and to provide fast, reliable delivery so that you can stay comfortable throughout the year. Visit their website to see a full array of services or call (585) 244-4080 to request an estimate.